G20 Employment Working Group Meeting Highlights
The first G20 Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting under South Africa’s presidency concluded on February 21, 2025, in Port Elizabeth. This significant gathering brought together delegates from G20 member states and invited nations to discuss critical issues surrounding labor and employment. The meeting focused on two main priorities: Inclusive Growth & Youth Empowerment and Social Security & Digitalization for an Inclusive Future of Work. These topics are essential for shaping policies that can enhance job opportunities and social security in a rapidly changing global economy.
Key Discussions and Presentations
Over four days, delegates engaged in various working sessions, sharing insights and strategies on the G20 Labour & Employment track. Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary of Labour & Employment, led the Indian delegation. She presented India’s initiatives and emphasized the importance of evidence-based approaches to increase social security coverage. The discussions highlighted the rising workforce in India and showcased case studies on the eShram and National Career Service (NCS) portals. These case studies illustrated how India is leveraging technology to improve labor welfare and access to social security.
The Indian delegation’s presentations drew significant interest from other G20 members. The focus was on how technology can facilitate the onboarding of workers in the unorganized sector and enhance access to various social security schemes. The NCS portal was highlighted as a vital tool for bridging the gap between job seekers and employers, demonstrating India’s commitment to creating a more inclusive labor market.
Case Study: eShram Portal
One of the standout presentations was on the eShram Portal, which serves as a comprehensive national database for unorganized and platform workers. This initiative aims to ensure seamless access to social security benefits. The portal is available in 22 languages and assigns a Universal Account Number (UAN) to each worker, enhancing transparency and accountability.
The eShram Portal also includes a module for platform workers, launched in December 2024. This feature allows aggregators to onboard workers and share engagement details, facilitating intelligent mapping to their employers. By strengthening the last-mile delivery of social security benefits, the eShram Portal empowers millions in the informal sector. This case study exemplifies India’s commitment to using technology for inclusive welfare and improving the lives of its workers.
Case Study: National Career Service (NCS) Portal
Another significant case study presented was the National Career Service (NCS) Portal. This platform has mobilized over 440 million vacancies and registered 4 million employers, effectively bridging the gap between job seekers and employers. The NCS is integrated with the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), which focuses on upskilling initiatives in green jobs, artificial intelligence, and the platform economy.
The NCS Portal’s success has been recognized globally, with the QS World Future Skills Index 2025 highlighting India’s strengths in markets ready for recruitment in digital, AI, and green jobs. This case study emphasizes India’s proactive approach to addressing the jobs-skills gap and preparing its workforce for future demands.
Bilateral Discussions and Future Collaborations
In addition to the presentations, the Indian delegation engaged in bilateral discussions with various international organizations, including the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). These discussions focused on developing an international framework for mutual recognition of skills and qualifications. The feasibility study will target three key sectors: Information Technology, Green Jobs, and Care-related roles.
India also held discussions with the Netherlands regarding the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) and its alignment with global efforts to address poverty through the concept of ‘Living Wages.’ Collaboration with the Netherlands and the ILO was deemed crucial for advancing living wages and improving living standards.
Furthermore, India reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with Germany, emphasizing the importance of the Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) signed in October 2024. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation in global supply chains, human-centric AI, and the gig economy.
The outcomes of this G20 EWG meeting set the stage for future collaborations and initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive and equitable future of work.
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